Crash's 5th birthday

Crash has been waiting for his birthday since forever. His brothers' birthdays are at the beginning of the year so he has had to wait too long in his estimation for his special day. At last it arrived!

We had his party at our local bounce house facility. He loved it. It was a Toy Story theme party. I don't have pictures because I didn't seem to take many. That always happens at the party.

After he would open each gift he would say, "Do I get to take this home?" He was so excited to have presents.

It was fun to watch him play with his little buddies. He has made some good friends here.

Happy Birthday big guy!

*I have been asked several times so in case you were wondering. No, we are not starting Crash in Kindergarten this year. He will start next year when he is 6. Another year at home :).

Beach trip 2010

Here's the whole family at the beach. The kids have so much fun each year. It's the one thing we just can not miss.

This was one of their giant sand sculptures.

Me and my mama. We are so glad that she came with us.

Chasing seagulls is one of Crash's and Wingman's favorite activities.

My handsome boys.

We had great weather. The trip was lots of fun. It had its share of odd occurrences. The whole layoff was kind of a damper to things, but we tried hard to enjoy ourselves in spite of it.

The car battery died in the condo parking lot. We did not have jumper cables. We had to call a tow truck to jump our car so we could drive to town and buy a battery before the drive home. Odd occurrences seem to be the new normal these days. Looking forward to next year. Not sure which beach we will be at, but we are looking forward to a new adventure.

You know you live in a small town when your children ask:

"Can we go to the big city and ride an elevator?"

Update from the beach

Sorry I have not posted any beach pictures. We arrived home expecting house guests so I had limited time to scrub some bathrooms. With 3 little boys you can only imagine how bad my bathrooms needed some scrubbing. I will post beach pictures later.

Right after the house guests left, the Captain and I boarded a plane. He had a job interview at a town on the beach and they graciously offered to pay for the little wife to come along so here I am. I can't remember the last time we travelled without children. We are having a good time considering why we are here.

We are staying in the fanciest hotel I have ever seen. It's right on the beach. It's just paradise. The Captain is actually at his interview right now. He left me alone to spend my time at the beach, the spa, and the pool. Poor, poor me!

We have met with a realtor and drove around the area checking out schools, hospitals, churches etc.

The job hunt is going much better than this time last year. He has had 2 good phone interviews with different companies and both are following up with him. He has some more leads to chase down when we get home.

We are trying to finish up some projects on the house planning to put it up for sale. I will start this week working 2 days a week at the hospital for now.

Things are going however they never seem to move as quickly as I would like. God is really working on my patience, my total reliance on Him, and his plan.

Thanks for all the prayers and words of encouragement. I can't tell you how much they mean to us all.

Pictures to come later...

Beach musings

We are returning from our annual beach vacation. We have had beautiful weather. It started raining today. I think it makes it easier to leave when it's raining. I will have pictures to post of amazing sand creatures when I have a moment or 7 at home.

Here are just some random thoughts about our trip.

1. I am pretty sure I think this every year. Modesty aside, I can not think of anyone who looks good in a string bikini. Apparently, many people disagree with this line of thinking.

2. On the whole, I think the choice in swim wear was more modest this year.

3. Going to beach while unemployed is a little surreal. We needed the break and some sleep so it was good, but just a little weird.

4. We usually have a no technology rule while on vacation, but due to the circumstances we were those people who carried a laptop and cell phone with us to the beach. That was weird too!

5. I love going to the beach with my mother.

6. Wingman has claimed my mom as his own personal Nana and is rather reluctant to share him with his brothers. He will be so sad when she goes home.

7. We are exhausted. We have been to the beach, to the pool, and back to the beach. I am tired of putting on swimsuits and sunscreen on 3 boys 3 times a day. There are eyes are literally blood shot. I think it's the salt water.

8. No one was sunburned except me. As a mother, I feel good about this. Crash and Wingman got some cute little freckles across their noses.

9. Boogey boarding is still one of my FAVORITE things to do!

Now on to the laundry...

Deja vu

It feels like a little deja vu around here. The Captain's company had to lay off the bulk of the work force last week. It's a long story with a lawsuit involved, but needless to say there was insufficient funds to maintain a work force. Here we are, again.

It's not a total shock, because this company has never been "ideal" or "stable". He's endured pay cuts and cut back hours. It was just the available job at the time.

So he is job hunting. The good news is there are more companies hiring this year than last. He already has a few interviews scheduled.

All of these jobs would require out of state moves. We are preparing the house to be sold.

I feel like a bit of a basket case lately. One second I am fine and the next I am crying on the floor. I hate crying!

God has already been gracious through encouraging words from friends and family, hugs, and offers of support. I have never been very good at memorizing scripture, but I am good at memorizing music. God keeps sending particular songs especially hymns to my mind especially when I can't sleep. "It is Well" has been a particular favorite that has lulled me to sleep on more than one occasion.

I know God is in control. I know He knows the outcome of all this- what job he will get, where we will live, how we will get there, etc. It's just the daily waiting I am struggling with.

Thanks for your prayers and concern. We appreciate it all.

Secret Identity

Shh! Don't tell anyone, but I know the secret identities of these Super Heroes.

On the left, is Super Baby aka Wingman.

In the middle is King Thunder aka Test Pilot.

On the right is Batman aka Crash.

They will protect your stuffed animals from all kinds of mischief. Please call if you need help.